A lifeline Angus charity for the elderly and disabled has been forced to drop some services and begin charging for others due to Angus Council cutbacks.
Angus Care and Repair said the announcement was a “sad development” but said it had no other option after its funding was cut by more than 10%.
The group carries out modifications to the homes of the elderly and disabled in Angus to help their quality of life and maintain independence.
The charity will drop its “safe as houses” service, which provided equipment and advice to protect the vulnerable from cold calling, doorstep crime, fire and falls in the home.
Its small repairs service, which used to be free, will be charged at £20 per half hour from April.
In the past five years the group has seen referrals to its services from Angus Council almost double, while financial support from the local authority has been frozen.
Next year its funding from the local authority will drop to £420,000 from £468,000.
Manager Judith Leslie said: “Whilst this is a sad development for the charity, we are keen to reiterate that we are still here for people over 65 years of age in Angus.”
An Angus Council spokesperson said the reduced payment was one of several difficult cuts that had to be made to balance its budget.
The charity is now looking to speak with possible funders and sponsors to help support its operations.
Angus Care and Repair’s “safe as houses” service was a joint venture with police to reduce crime and fear of crime.
It was first piloted in Forfar in 2000 and Kirriemuir in 2002 before the group got funding to take the initiative Angus-wide.
It has assisted more than 4,500 people with security checks and installations such as door locks, peep holes, smoke detectors and timer switches.
“The equipment and advice given as part of the service has undoubtedly made a real contribution to the reduction of house crime but even more so the reduction in the fear of crime in Angus,” said Judith.
“During this time the charity also assisting in securing properties for almost 200 victims of domestic abuse.
“I am very sorry that we are unable to continue this service knowing the contribution it made for people to feel more secure in their homes.
“However, I am also very proud of the innovative and exciting work that the partners completed during the period of this service such as the Safe as Houses DVD, bogus caller button and electric blanket testing.”
She stressed that the charity will still carry out a number of services free of charge.
These include home safety checks, fitting grab rails and minor adaptations, help and advice about energy matters, major repairs and adaptations.
Its small repairs service, which will be charged at cost, includes fitting smoke detectors, changing light fittings, easing doors or fitting handles.
“It is often difficult to get local contractors to carry out small repairs, especially in remote rural areas, however Care and Repair brings other added care benefits,” said Judith.
“With an increasing older population it is important to help people to remain as safe and comfortable in their own home for as long as possible.
“We are continuing to speak with possible funders and sponsors to see if we can once again provide at least some of the free small repairs and safety checks that we previously did.”
A spokesperson for Angus Council said: “The reduction in funding to Angus Care and Repair is part of the £19m package of cuts and savings agreed by Angus Council.
“This cut was one of many difficult decisions the council had to take to balance its budget over the next three years.
“The service agreement we continue to have with this valued local service has been renegotiated to reflect the reduction in funding.”
Any individual or company interested in hearing more about the sponsorship opportunities is asked to contact Judith or Scott on 01307 463232.